'Do I look like somebody who can be bullied as Majority Leader?’ – James Agalga
Newly appointed Majority Leader James Agalga has dismissed claims that he could be intimidated in his new position, insisting that his extensive parliamentary experience has adequately prepared him to lead the Majority Caucus.
The Builsa North Member of Parliament said his years of service as a ranking member, committee chairman and four-term legislator have equipped him with the leadership skills required to discharge his new responsibilities effectively.
Mr Agalga's comments come in response to remarks by former Defence Minister and Bimbilla MP Dominic Nitiwul, who questioned his leadership credentials during an interview on Eyewitness News on Friday, August 7.
Mr Nitiwul argued that although Mr Agalga is among the longest-serving Members of Parliament, he had not previously occupied one of the House's top leadership positions.
Responding to the criticism, the Majority Leader said he was confident his performance would speak for itself.
“I think that the end shall justify the means. Do I look like somebody who can be bullied?” he asked.
“We leave the rest for the people to judge when we settle down to work.”
Mr Agalga rejected suggestions that he lacked leadership experience in Parliament, pointing to the various positions he has held over the years.
“I want to assure you that I am not new to leadership in Parliament. I have been ranking member for eight solid years. I am currently the chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee. And so, to that extent, it cannot be said that I am new to leadership,” he stated.
He also said his long tenure in Parliament had earned him the respect of fellow lawmakers, making it unlikely that he would be intimidated in the House.
“I am a full-term Member of Parliament. And so, I do not think that any colleague of mine in the House can bully me,” he said.
Mr Agalga maintained that his effectiveness as Majority Leader should be judged by his performance once Parliament resumes sitting.
“But like I said, the end shall justify the means,” he added.